Battle of Fates: Meet the shamans, tarot readers and fortune tellers competing in Disney+’s new reality show

If you thought reality survival shows were all about physical challenges or perfectly plated dishes, Battle of Fates takes the formula somewhere entirely different. Instead of chefs battling it out in a kitchen, Disney+’s latest series gathers shamans, tarot readers, fortune tellers and divination masters, each with their own method of interpreting destiny.

Since it was released on February 11 on Disney+, the show has quickly drawn attention for flipping the competition genre on its head.

What is Battle of Fates about?

For a long time, reading fate felt like something reserved for a gifted few. Many assumed that it was only for those who could channel spirits, decode birth charts or interpret signs from beyond. And that’s where Battle of Fates pulls that world into the spotlight. Here, the show introduces viewers to the many different mediums people use to make sense of their futures.

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From shamanism and tarot to face reading, foot reading and more, the series brings together masters from different schools of divination and puts their abilities to the test. It will have you glued to your screens because in this show, contestants compete in a series of challenges designed to measure just how accurate their readings are. That includes communing with spirit guides, ringing ritual bells, analysing birth charts, or even using modern-day laptops, they use every tool at their disposal to deliver the most precise insights — all in hopes of avoiding elimination and advancing to the next round.

At the time of writing, seven episodes have been released, with more to come ahead of the March 4 finale.

It’s dramatic, theatrical and will definitely have you on the edge of your seats. Besides, with a total of 49 contestants announced, the cast alone is already reason enough for you to start watching. That being said, if you’re curious about who’s stepping into this spiritual arena, here’s a closer look at some of the fortune masters competing this season.

Lady Wish

The first contestant to walk into the room is none other than Lady Wish. She’s a Daegu-based shaman from a three-generation line of practitioners that includes her great-aunt, father and now her. Before fully embracing shamanism, she was a competitive archer from elementary school through university. 

Yoon Daeman

Yoon Daeman spent 23 years studying and performing traditional Korean music (gugak) before becoming a shaman five years ago. 

Young Master Byeon

A 15-year shaman with high-profile clients, including entertainment agency heads and figures in show business. You can tell that Young Master Byeon isn’t just anyone since he’s so well-connected and comfortable around his clients, including celebrities. 

Business Sage Kim

A corporate deputy department head by day and fortune teller by night. Business Sage Kim is truly a hustler and as a fortune teller, you can very well say that he’s quite experienced, given that he’s done readings for over 6,000 startup founders and professionals.

Heoyu

With 30 years of experience, Heoyu comes from a family that has studied myungri (saju analysis) for four generations. His practice is deeply rooted in tradition.

Meta Myungri Joon

An International Business graduate from Washington D.C., he has been practising myungri for 15 years. 

Taeul Lee Dokyu

All he needs is to have a glance at your face. As a face reader of 11 years who specialises in reading health through facial features, for Taeul, the face reveals more than just personality.

Hong Yuljae

A six-year shaman who represents a newer generation in the field.

Seolhwa

Let’s be honest – she made an unforgettable entrance in purple boots and a yellow blazer. Once a dancer, she is now a third-year novice shaman, bringing her energy from the dancefloor into her practice.

Seulbi

Seulbi immediately stands out. Her look alone challenges traditional ideas of what a spiritual practitioner “should” look like.

Monad

An eight-year tarot master from Sejong, she confidently calls herself the “God of East Asian Tarot.” She reads with certainty and flair — and if that helps you place her, she’s the one who entered the room holding a staff-like stick, immediately commanding attention.

Ineuidang

The shaman who claims she foresaw the December 2024 martial law crisis. She says spirits urged her to warn the nation, leading her to beat her drums outside the National Assembly in Yeouido, literally. 

Lee Kookjoo

Everyone knows her as one of South Korea’s most popular comedians and TV personalities, but little did they know that she’s also been reading tarot for five years. 

Beentarot

A tarot master whose sister is actress Yoon Gai. According to his interview, he often reads her cards before every show appearance.

Choi Hannah

Now in her third year as a tarot master, she previously appeared on Possessed Love.

Sage Cheonmyeong

He completed a PhD at KAIST, also known as the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, a top-tier public research university in South Korea, before becoming a shaman.

Kwon Sujin

She may be 29 years old but did you know she’s been a shaman for 26 years A manshin who began fortune telling at four years old, she says she started seeing spirits while growing up on a mountain as a child.

Young Master Jiseon

The youngest contestant is none other than Young Master Jiseon. At 18 years old, he began his journey at five and reportedly stood on a ritual blade (jakdu) before he was ten. He made his entrance in a female hanbok with undeniable confidence and lots of sass. 

Young Master Byeolsang

An 11-year Hwanghae-do manshin who once worked as a hairstylist from his teens until 25. He now reportedly earns 100 million won a month and entered carrying his ritual tools in a Hermes Birkin.

Kim Baekmun

Kim Baekmun is a 35-year foot reading specialist. Beyond that, he studies Qimen Dunjia, myungri, the Book of Changes, hexagram divination, crystal gazing, gemstone divination and even water dowsing.

Young Master Plum Blossom (Mokpo)

One of the few conventionally “cute” male shamans on the show, he quickly caught the crowd’s attention. His family is known for conducting intense rites.

Cheonhae

He previously appeared on Possessed Love.

Juno

Claims he can tell everything about someone just from their name.

Shaman Doeyu

Once a K-pop idol trainee, he pivoted into shamanism.

Lee Sobin

The final contestant to enter, and arguably one of the most intimidating. Lee Sobin began as a child shaman at seven, appeared on TV at nine, and now runs a shrine in Ansan at 26. She’s known for predicting MC Mong’s future and carries years of experience despite her age.

Battle of Fates is now on Disney+